AFC Wimbledon returning to the borough of Merton after nearly 25 years away is a victory greater than anything on the football field, according to first team coach Simon Bassey.

Merton Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously approved permission last week for the club to build a multi-million pound stadium in Plough Lane.

Fans and club staff have campaigned to return to the site they called home for nearly 80 years since AFC Wimbledon were formed from the ashes of Wimbledon FC in 2002.

Coach Bassey believes the return should inspire players to work hard to remain at the club.

He said: “It is bigger than any defeat or victory. It is a victory for everyone for the last 24 years.

“Everyone has worked hard to get this stadium dream to come true and now we are finally going home.

“Everyone should be smiling and wanting to be at this club when we return there. That is the real focus – to be a part of this club when we return to Plough Lane.”

Jon Meades told the Wimbledon Guardian after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Stevenage at Kingsmeadow that while players were excited for the fans, promotion to League One remained their top priority.

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Cheers and hugging as AFC Wimbledon have Plough Lane stadium plans unanimously approved by Merton Council

He said: “We have talked about it a little, but our main aim is to get promotion this season and at the moment we are not doing enough.

“We need to focus on ourselves.”

Wimbledon FC legend Wally Downes told the Wimbledon Guardian this week that when the team returns to Plough Lane, fans need to “make it their own little cathedral of noise”.

Meades believes the club’s loyal supporters will do just that.

He said: “It’s amazing for the club. I think the fans will make it home straight away.”